The association says the proposed policy has already improved the availability of raw shea nuts for local processors, helping to support businesses in the domestic shea industry.

President of the Ghana Shea Employers Association, Rabiatu Abukari, however, cautioned that a total export ban could create challenges if local processors do not have the capacity to absorb all the shea nuts produced in the country.

Speaking in an interview with Citi  News, she proposed that the government allocate a smaller percentage of raw shea nuts for export while reserving the majority for local processing.

She suggested that exporters could be allowed to export about 20% to 30% of raw shea nuts, instead of the much larger volumes currently leaving the country.

According to her, such an arrangement would allow Ghanaian processors to expand their operations while maintaining access to international markets.

“If they ban completely, we cannot use the nuts that exporters are using to export. So the restriction should be there. Instead of allowing them to send something like 60% out, they should rather let them send 20% or 30% out, so that we will be in business.”

Abukari also suggested an alternative arrangement under which exporters could buy shea products processed locally and export them for further value addition.

She warned that allowing large volumes of raw shea nuts to continue leaving the country could undermine local processors and threaten the livelihoods of women who depend on the sector.

“Other than that, the way the shea nuts have been exported, our business will collapse. And this is the women’s business, and that is how the women are taking care of their children and sending them to school,” she added.